Dictionary.com

upend

[ uhp-end ]
/ ʌpˈɛnd /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR upend ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to set on end, as a barrel or ship.
to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.
to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

to become upended.
to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU GUESS THESE WORDS FROM AROUND THE US?

American English is not always as it appears to be ... get to know regional words in this quiz!
Question 1 of 10
A bet is synonymous with a wager, but what does it mean in New York?
Often it means something is impossible.
It’s another way to agree with someone.
It serves as an apology.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of upend

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end1

Words nearby upend

Updike, updo, updraft, updraught, updrift, upend, UPF, upfold, up for grabs, up-front, upgather
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to upend

dethrone, oust, topple, subdue, depose, eradicate, abolish, crush, subvert, conquer, overcome, unseat, overturn, raze, overrun, vanquish, put an end to, invalidate, annul, capsize

Example sentences from the Web for upend

British Dictionary definitions for upend

upend
/ (ʌpˈɛnd) /

verb

to turn or set or become turned or set on end
(tr) to affect or upset drastically
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012